The unrest in the garment sector is being exacerbated by the spread of rumours, with many of those involved already identified, said Labour and Employment Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan.
Speaking to the press following a meeting of the Law and Order Advisory Committee at the secretariat on Tuesday (1 October), he indicated that discussions were held regarding the upcoming Durga Puja, the situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, drug-related issues, and the overall state of affairs in the country.
He noted that a group is instigating instability within the garment industry, highlighting a violent incident in Savar where a worker was killed after a shooting initiated by someone from within the workers' ranks. This led to escalating tensions and violent confrontations, which subsequently compelled police to resort to firing.
The adviser said efforts are underway to identify those responsible for disseminating the rumours.
Expressing sorrow over the death of the worker, he stated that the family has been compensated with a sum of Tk13 lakh.
Furthermore, he announced that legal actions would be taken against owners who have failed to pay wages, with provisions being made to settle outstanding salaries.
He said that many owners are absconding with substantial debts and emphasised the need for cooperation from all parties involved to restore normalcy, noting that incidents continue to occur daily.